Portsmouth MPs have welcomed the news that Portsmouth will formally bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, calling it a “huge moment” for the city and announcing a new community drop-in event with Portsmouth Creates to help shape the bid.
The MPs, who have been urging Portsmouth City Council to put the city forward for the national title, said the bid is a major opportunity to celebrate Portsmouth’s identity and bring communities together.
In a joint statement, Amanda Martin MP and Stephen Morgan MP said:
“This is a huge moment for Portsmouth. Our city is bursting with creativity, resilience and community spirit from our world-class heritage, to being the birthplace of some of our country’s greatest authors, to the festivals, artists, performers and makers who bring Portsmouth’s story to life every single day.
We know we can win this. But more importantly, this bid is an opportunity to bring people together. We know from meeting Portsmouth Creates that the City of Culture bid will unite communities, inspire young people, and unlock the talent and pride that already exists in our city.
This is Portsmouth’s chance to show the country and the world what we know already: that our city is fizzing with potential, rich in culture, and ready to take its place on the national stage. We are proud to back a Portsmouth bid all the way.”
To ensure local voices shape the bid from the outset, the MPs are teaming up with Portsmouth Creates to host an open community City of Culture Bid Drop-In Event, where residents, artists, community groups and local businesses can share ideas and priorities for the city’s cultural future.
Here are the details of how you can join them:
Date: Thursday 11 December
Time: 6PM
Location: Portsmouth (the venue will be shared with you 24hrs before)
Booking: To reserve a place, click here
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“Winning City of Culture status transforms places — but the journey itself can be just as powerful for local pride and identity.”
Amanda Martin MP said the event will be:
“An inclusive, open space for everyone in Portsmouth to help shape the vision we put forward to the country.”
The MPs are encouraging residents from across Portsmouth to attend, share their views and help shape the city’s bid.
